£25m summer signing Adam Lallana returned to training this week but is unlikely to be fit to play against his former club on Sunday. Fellow signings from Southampton, Dejan Lovren and Rickie Lambert are both in contention to start. Lazar Markovic could be in the match squad but is unlikely to start after returning from injury. New signing Alberto Moreno could be involved.

Fraser Forster, Ryan Bertrand, Dusan Tadic, Graziano Pelle and Shane Long are all in contention to make their debuts for Southampton. Young James Ward-Prowse could be given a more senior role at the club after the departure of so many senior players.